Captivated

by Scarlett Avery

  It seems this week has been quite busy for singletons. Right when she had nearly given up all hope, Nikki’s sister, Melanie, also hooked up with a guy. His name is Mark and he lives in her building. It seems Mark had been politely checking Melanie out for a while. She had noticed him but they were both too shy to do anything about it. One night last week, around two o'clock in the morning a false fire alarm forced everyone to evacuate. Mark and Melanie came running down the stairs together, each carrying their cats’ cages. The annoying coincidence turned out to be a blessing that made them realize they had a lot more in common than they thought. It also was the catalyst that helped Mark to finally ask Melanie out. They’ve been inseparable since their first official date on Saturday night.

  In the same line of fortuitous hookups, I’ve been having long and seductive phone sex sessions with Hunter for the past three nights. I’m quite grateful that Ray’s new flame and Melanie’s burgeoning romance have deflected the attention from me. I’m almost tempted to believe I’ve dodged the bullet, but Jess’ voice brings me back to reality.

  “Time for dessert, ladies?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Both Michelle and I cheer in unison.

  “I’m glad to see we’re all on the same page,” Jess says, getting up. “I’m going to grab Miranda’s cake, some vanilla ice cream and the caramel cream pie I bought. While I’m in the kitchen, Michelle, open another bottle of Chardonnay. The night is still very young.” She pauses and stares right at me. “And you, Miranda, start talking about that guy from the gala.”

  “Oh, so you didn’t forget?” It was going so well for me.

  “You’ve known me since we were twelve. How can you even ask such a question?”

  I guess it’s wishful thinking on my part.

  “Don’t think for a minute we weren’t going to grill you on this,” Michelle says, giggling as she gets up from the table and walks towards the stainless steel and glass bar cart.

  “Yeah, my sister’s right. What’s his name? Have you guys connected since Saturday night? Do you like him? Does he have a big cock? Did he fuck you at the party or did that happen during the week? Can he make you come with his tongue?” Jess shouts a string of questions as she makes her way back to the deck.

  “Oh, my God, Jess, I can only handle one question at a time,” I cry out.

  “In that case, you better start at the top of the list and work your way down.”

  I sigh, realizing it’s time to come clean. I’ve never withheld anything from my best friend before. “I haven’t been honest with you, Jess.”

  “What do you mean?” she asks, dropping the desserts on the table in front of us.

  “You’re right. I did meet a guy that night, but it’s not the guy you saw me dancing with. While you were talking to that famous actress, I decided to go to the bar to get a drink and I bumped into the man I met at the market that morning. You know, the one I was telling you about while we were all at Michelle’s boutique.”

  “No way. You connected with the Powerball?” Michelle’s eyes are nearly bulging out of her head.

  “What the fuck? Are you serious? That guy, Hunter, was at the gala and you didn’t even present him to me?” Jessica looks as stunned as her sister.

  I tilt my head back and rub my hands over my face, giving me courage. “Yes. Hunter was there. He was the last person I expected to see. It was a surprise for both of us. And the reason I didn’t introduce him to you and Kevin is because everything between us moved so fast. I was in uncharted territory and I just didn’t know how to handle it all.”

  “Wait a minute, wait a minute. Stop right there,” Jess says, holding up her hand. “Are you telling me you made out with Hunter at the party?”

  “Holy hell. Miranda, is my sister right?”

  “Yes, Michelle, Jessica’s right.” I bounce my gaze from one Edgewood sister to another, weighing my words carefully. “And for the record, it was way more than just making out.”

  “Ha,” they both say, amazed.

  For the next hour I pour my soul out. I leave nothing out about my encounter with hunky Hunter Evans. I recount every single detail of the unforgettable and salacious night where I discovered I was perfectly capable of having an orgasm. I tell her about the shock of seeing Hunter at that meeting on my first day at the new job. I then delve into how my obsession to feel Hunter’s lips on me again all over my body pushed me to ask him for the unthinkable. I also share how I’ve experienced the most core-shaking climaxes of my life in the last three days… and Hunter wasn’t even in the same room.

  While I bare it all, both Michele and Jessica stare at me in utter shock with their mouths open. Jessica has never been one to be lost for words, but she hasn’t said a thing in the last sixty minutes other than a few gasps here and there. She’s either impressed or thoroughly disgusted by my actions. When I finally shut up, we all sit there in a heavy silence. My mind is churning and I’m afraid I’ve said too much.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Jessica finally speaks. “Well.” She pauses, purses her lips together and inhales deeply. She thinks I’m a slut. “I’ll be damned,” she continues, shaking her head. That’s it. She’s lost all respect for me. I hide my face with my hands, sinking into my chair, feeling the weight of my own embarrassment pressing against my shoulders. I’m this close to running back to my car and driving home when Jess shouts, “Slap some butter on my buns and call me biscuit, as Granny Anna Mae would say. Pigs are going to start flying tomorrow morning because I never thought I’d see the day where you, Miranda Olivia Reddick, would have the courage to go after what you want. Hallelujah.” She gets to her feet and runs towards me with her hands swinging frantically in the air over her head. She leans down and hugs me so hard, I think I’m about to choke.

  A few seconds later, another pair of arms embrace me. “Miranda, I’m so thrilled for you.” Michelle drops tons of small kisses all over my forehead and all three of us giggle silly.

  “You guys are making too much out of this,” I say in false modesty. “Sit back down,” I say, gesturing at my friends. “Or you’ll make me feel too self-conscious.” They both take a few steps and pull their chairs closer to mine. We’re all sitting in a small circle as if we’re at camp.

  Jess scoots her chair over and grabs my hands in hers. “Are you kidding me? This is major news.” She’s still clearly bewildered by my confession.

  “Miranda, this is monumental for you.” Michelle is rubbing my back, comforting me.

  I nod. “Although I’m aware I’ve taken a big step, it’s still a little weird sharing this with other people… even with you two.”

  “So if you weren’t here tonight, you’d be at your place having hot and steamy phone sex right now with him?”

  “Jessica,” I scorn. “You’re impossible.”

  “What? I’m supposed to ask those questions. I’m your best friend.”

  “Miranda, ignore my sister. She can be a little rough around the edges.” Michelle swats Jessica’s shoulder.

  “Thanks for the support, Michelle.” I’m talking to Jessica’s sister, but I sear my best friend with a dark stare.

  “Okay. I apologize. I might have pushed it a little too far.” Jess puts her hands up in mock surrender.

  “Miranda, this guy sounds like a dream. Even if it’s for a short period.”

  “My God, Michelle. You don’t know half of it. Hunter is very intriguing, extraordinarily handsome and sexy in a domineering way. I’ve never been attracted to a man like him before because I didn’t think I had a hope in hell of catching their attention.”

  “What a far cry from the last two guys you were with.” Jessica knows too well of my romantic debacles with Curtis and Henry.

  “Jess, I almost pee in my pants laughing when I think about the difference between Hunter and the men—or should I say boys—I’m used to. It’s almost like comparing two opposing species. In Nikki’s words it would be a duel between a ferocious blue-eyed white lion and an affectionate
exotic shorthair kitten.”

  “The way you describe this guy, he must have women lined up around the block begging him to fuck them. Good for you for snatching him.” Jess claps her hands together.

  No need to rub it in. “I selected him because he’s not a virgin. He’s experienced. I’m not delusional. I’m sure there are other women.” I struggle with that last part. I’m not sure why, considering I’m fully aware that Hunter is only here for a few weeks and this is a temporary arrangement.

  “Get what you need from him in the three or four weeks he’s here. He can then hop back on his horse and ride east to Colorado. You’ll end up with the skills and the confidence to go after who you really want—Julian.”

  “It’s crossed my mind.” Well, sort of. It’s true that initially Julian was one of the reasons why I made my proposition to Hunter, but in the last three days, Hunter has done a pretty good job at erasing Julian’s memory.

  “I’m just rethinking what you shared. If Hunter can make you come over the phone like that… imagine when he gets his cock inside you.” Jess may have the bravura to articulate it, but I’ve been consumed by the idea of being intimate with Hunter.

  “I haven’t been able to stop fantasizing about him… taking me.”

  “You’re really going to go all the way with this guy?”

  I nod, folding my lower lip into my mouth. “Yeah, Michelle, I am. I feel totally comfortable with him. He brings out something so raw and so passionate in me. The old me would’ve been scared shitless to even think of wanting to have sex with a guy who’s practically a stranger, let alone admit it aloud, but I’m no longer that girl. I’m ready to step into this new woman who’s emerging because I’ve been awkward for far too long and I’m tired of it.”

  “Wow. I’ve never known you to be willing to put yourself out there like this.”

  “Michelle’s right. You’ve always fought me every time I tried to challenge you to take a chance on the unknown.”

  “I know, Jess.” I can’t argue with her on that one.

  “I’m going to tell you exactly what I told Ray that motivated him to put his big-boy boxer shorts on and walk across the street to ask Jeffrey out.”

  “Should I be worried?” The slight smile on Michelle’s face indicates whatever she’s about to say won’t hurt one bit.

  “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Mom read this book a long time ago, I can’t remember the name, but that quote stuck with her and she’s always pushed Jessica and I to go beyond what we thought possible for ourselves.”

  “I’m starting to understand this firsthand.”

  “Are you seeing him when he gets back in town?” Jess asks.

  “Yes. He’s back tomorrow. I’m so giddy, it’s ridiculous.”

  “What’s the next sex lesson?” She winks devilishly.

  I can’t help but smile back at her. “He hasn’t been willing to share what he has in mind, but I’m sure it’s something I’ve never dared to try before.”

  “I want to hear all about it. Let’s meet Saturday for brunch. I want you to share all the kinky details while they’re still fresh in your mind.”

  As if it’s likely I’ll ever forget any of the things I’ll do with Hunter.

  I bite my lower lip apologetically. “I can’t, Jess, but we’re definitely still on Sunday for our day of hiking with the group.”

  “Why can’t you make it? Are you planning on spending the night as his place?” I can tell she’s stupefied by my answer.

  “No. Hunter invited me to a party. His friend Collin, this big-shot celebrity fitness model, is having a Saturday bash with his brother and Hunter wants me to be his date for the day. He texted me this morning about it and I accepted.” Jessica and Michelle both widen their eyes, but neither of them says a thing so I continue. “I was taken aback by the invitation because I figured he’d keep me in the closet like a dirty little secret. I didn’t expect he’d invite me to do things outside of my proposition. In broad daylight.” The Edgewood sisters are still not talking. “Hunter said it’s an all-day thing and to bring my bathing suit. I assume it’s a pool party or something at a ritzy Hollywood mansion… I mean he said he needed a date… and since I didn’t have any other plans… You know… I accepted,” I mumble nervously, unsure why these two are so quiet.

  Jess’ eyebrows go to her hairline, and beside her, Michelle makes a high-pitched noise. I’m not sure if it’s panic or joy. She brings her hand to her face and fans herself so quickly, you’d think she was having a hot flash at thirty-two. I can’t make out their reaction, but what happens next is a definite clue. The two sisters slowly turn to each and then look at me. This back and forth goes on for a few seconds. Suddenly Michelle and Jess get up at the same time, face each other, interlace their fingers together and in unison they start yelling and jumping up and down excitedly.

  Okay, I guess they’re happy for me.

  After a few minutes, they calm down and Jessica approaches me and squats at my feet. She grabs my hands into hers and looks up at me with loving eyes. “Honey, no matter where this leads, you’re about to have the time of your life.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Miranda

  “‘Go beyond what you thought possible.’” I reiterate Michelle’s words as I put the finishing touches on my make-up. Hunter will be here any minute now and I don’t want to be late.

  He texted me this morning about our date, but he was quite vague. His only request was for me to dress casual and to be ready by six-thirty. After changing four times and exchanging a string of text messages with Jessica, I decide to go for a casual, yet sexy look. I was going to sport my usual tomboy trademark style, but Jess pointed out—rightly so—that I needed to step up my game. I rifled through my wardrobe for an hour until I was able to find something that fits the bill. I selected a light blue fitted button-down v-neck knit long sleeved top that I roll up to the elbows, a pair of casual low-waisted jeans and my silver sparkly Chucks. Normally I’d be all buttoned up, but since the idea is to seduce Hunter, Jessica suggested I channel my inner vamp. I was uncomfortable at the idea of showing this much cleavage, but after a quick inspection in the mirror, I changed my mind. God blessed me with these, and she’d be pretty insulted if I kept them hidden all the time, as Nikki loves to remind me.

  I pull my hair up in a high ponytail and I only apply a touch of make-up to my face, since this morning I ran out of time. I pop in a pair of large silver hoops to complete the whole outfit and voilà. I look down at my white Swatch watch to find out if I have time to grab something to eat, since today’s been another one of those whirlwind days where Riley was talking a mile a minute and where she had a list of a thousand things for me to do. I have my hand on the refrigerator’s door handle ready to devour everything in sight when my phone vibrates. I rush to the kitchen table to grab it and Hunter’s message pops up on my screen.

  I know I’m early, but I’m outside. Do you need another minute?

  -----

  Nah, I’ll be right out.

  -----

  Great.

  I’ve been looking forward to this all day. Food can wait. I’ll grab something when we’re on the road. “This is it.” I pep myself up as I grab my crossbody bag and head out the door. Damn, I’m excited about this new adventure.

  Once I lock the door behind me, I turn around. Hunter stands near his very large black Cadillac Escalade SUV. His back is to me and I have the luxury of taking him fully in. Holy shit. The man looks fucking amazing in a five-thousand-dollar suit, but the way his ass is filling those tight-fitted jeans is quickening my pulse. His muscular biceps, taut forearms, broad shoulders and well-defined back stretch the cotton of his long-sleeved black Henley t-shirt. My eyes drag down his body all the way to his strong thighs and sculpted calves, resting only when I reach his badass motorcycle boots. Everything about him screams pure sexiness.

  The back of his hair sits neatly at the nape of his neck, suggesting his hair is freshly washed.
A sultry visual flashes in front of my eyes like a movie, causing me to falter in my step—Hunter and I are making out in the shower before he lifts me in his arms and fucks me silly. Oh, boy. Even from behind, he oozes hotness. I can only imagine what he looks like from the front.

  As if I’m sending a telepathic message, Hunter turns around and meets my gaze. Wow. Wow. Wow. Everything about him is insanely masculine. I inhale sharply, goosebumps making the hair of my arms rise up. Damn, he’s fine.

  “Hi, Hunter,” I cheer. I know this is a temporary thing with one outcome, but still, I can’t hide my pleasure at seeing him again.

  “Miranda?” My name comes out like a question, as if he can’t believe his eyes. “You look freaking sensational.” He eats me up from head to toe and stops for a few long seconds at my chest. He arches his eyebrows and blinks a few times before smiling. “Jesus Christ, woman. That top should come with a warning.” Shit. Too much. He thinks I’m a bimbo. Concerned, I bring my hands up to my top, fumbling to fasten a few buttons, but he takes a few quick steps towards me with his right hand raised to stop me. “No, no, no, sweetie. You can’t do that. You can’t offer me a gift and just take it away. That’s just wrong. I meant what I said as a huge compliment.” He grins at me.

  I let out a nervous laugh. “I was worried I had overdone it.”

  “Uh-uh.” He shakes his head. “You’ll never hear me complain about you showcasing your best assets.” Hunter reaches out and runs his hand up and down my cheek. My body reacts instantly. “Ready?”

  One single word. In any other circumstance it would be completely nondescript, but when the most handsome and eligible hunk you’ve ever been with looks down at you with so much lust radiating from his eyes, this simple word sounds outrageously seductive. It’s laced with the implication of so much more. More than I possibly can handle. I nod my head and murmur, “I am.”